New Pinocchio Horror Movie Officially Breaks All-Time Rotten Tomatoes Record For Twisted Universe
Pinocchio just pulled the strings on the Twisted Childhood Universe, as a new movie officially sets a new Rotten Tomatoes record for the franchise.
Created by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, the Twisted Childhood Universe transforms beloved public domain storybook icons into ruthless slasher villains, from Winnie-the-Pooh, Peter Pan, and Bambi; each movie delivers a blood-soaked twist on childhood classics. Now, the franchise has carved out another milestone, as its newest entry, Pinocchio, has officially shattered the Twisted Childhood Universe's all-time Rotten Tomatoes record.
Ahead of its theatrical release, Pinocchio Unstrung has officially broken an all-time Rotten Tomatoes record for the Twisted Childhood Universe. Written and directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, based on the 1883 novel The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, the new slasher film follows the titular puppet as he goes on a killing spree to become a real boy.
Now, Pinocchio Unstrung has debuted to a perfect 100% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, breaking the record for the highest-rated film in Twisted Childhood Universe, and is the first to earn a Fresh score from critics. See how it compares below:
|
Title |
RT Critics Score |
RT Audience Score |
|
Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey (2023) |
3% |
49% |
|
Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey II (2024) |
48% |
83% |
|
Peter Pan's Neverland Nightmare (2025) |
39% |
68% |
|
Bambi: The Reckoning (2025) |
59% |
57% |
|
Pinocchio Unstrung (2026) |
100% |
– |
Pinocchio Unstrung only has 10 reviews at the time of writing, so it could lose its perfect Rotten Tomatoes score as more are published. Its audience score should start to take shape once it releases in theaters worldwide on July 24. Pinocchio Unstrung premiered at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival earlier this year in April.
The cast includes Jude-Evan Lloyd as the voice of Pinocchio, horror legend Robert Englund as the voice of Cricket, Richard Brake as Geppetto, Cameron Bell, Jessica Balmer, and Peter DeSouza-Feighoney as Michael Darling.
Overall, critics agree that Pinocchio Unstrung is a major step up for the Twisted Childhood Universe, with many calling it the franchise's strongest outing yet. The practical effects, old-school animatronics, and gleefully over-the-top gore are earning widespread praise, while the cast and the film's bold, twisted spin on the classic fairy tale are also leaving a lasting impression.
While critics acknowledge some clunky writing and familiar franchise flaws, most feel they are easy to overlook because the film is simply so much fun. Several even describe it as surprisingly heartfelt beneath the bloodshed, with a Pinocchio audiences may unexpectedly root for, helping the movie stand out from earlier installments.
Whether it can hold onto its perfect score remains to be seen, but Pinocchio Unstrung has already raised the bar for the Twisted Childhood Universe.